Black Barbershops play a crucial role in their communities. They are meeting places and forums, representing culture, fashion and self-image.
There is no better time to pay homage to Black Barbershops than February – Black History Month. All barbershops and hair salons have a subtle yet profound impact to the communities around them. Cinema plots, for example, has often unfolded in neighborhood barbershops.
Even in Spike Lee’s graduate school thesis film was intitled Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads. The leading character, Zack (Monty Ross), takes over as the manager of a Brooklyn barbershop. The former owner, Joe (Horace Long), was killed by local gangster Mr. Lovejoy (Tommy Hicks) for trying to skim money from the numbers racket he runs out of the store. Zack wants to legitimize the barbershop, but, when business slows down and Mr. Lovejoy comes calling, he’s tempted to follow down the same path as his predecessor.
There are other memorable scenes and black barbers in cinema as well. “Barbershop”, directed by Tim Story, offers a lighter and more humorous take on the barbering world. Starring Ice Cube, the film focuses on a barbershop in Chicago and the vibrant characters who frequent it. The shop becomes a central character in the film, serving as a hub for community discussions and personal revelations. The scenes in the barbershop are brimming with witty dialogue and strong performances. The characters are lively and authentic. The barbering scenes in this movie highlight the barbershop as a place where people come together to share stories and bond over common experiences.
The culture of black hair
Traditionally black hair styles are also no longer exclusive to the black community as many people seek out expertly executed braids and cornrows. Think of Bo Derek in “10” back in 1979.
There is also the question of many hairdressers and salons feeling capable of offering and promoting services for clients with textured and coily hair. Indeed, it wasn’t until May 24, 2024 that Minnesota became the third state in the nation to mandate training, education, and testing on all hair types and textures in order to earn a cosmetology license.
Connecting with Wahl Pro’s Black barber educators
Estetica connected with Steven Wren, owner of Steven Brandon Hair Studio about the importance of these long-standing institutions. Steven Wren is a multiple award-winning barber, Sola Salon Suite owner and Barber Grammy nominee. He went up against 17,000 + Sola Salon suite owners to become a “Face of Sola” Brand Ambassador and has since cohosted the annual Sola Sessions event multiple times.
Steven travels throughout the US and internationally as a member of the North American Wahl Education Team. Major digital and print publications have often featured his work. He was also one of Modern Salon’s “Top 100” industry game changers in 2021. He also has collaborated virtually and in person as a keynote speaker for various conferences. This inspiring individual share his expertise on many beauty industry panel discussions, webinars, podcasts, and motivating platforms.
Why are Black barber shops important?
Black barbershops have been essential cultural hubs that provide community, mentorship, and a space for open dialogue. It has always been safe haven for men of all ages to connect with one another.
Which Wahl tools are best suited to working on curly and textured hair and why?
All Wahl Professional tools are perfect to use on all hair textures. It’s hard for me to narrow it down. But if I had to choose it would be the Cordless Barber Combo. The Black 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip has a high-performance motor which is great for cutting through thick and textured hair. Then there is the patented staggered tooth blade which allows seamless blending and fading. I’d pair that with the Black Cordless Detailer Li. This trimmer has a powerful full-size motor to cut through all hair types. The T-Wide titanium and DLC blades can be zero gapped for close shaving sharp lines and detailed work.
Are there specific products formulated to keep black hair healthy and manageable?
Curly/coily textured hair is versatile and beautiful, but it thrives with proper care. Keep it moisturized with natural oils and leave-in conditioners and use sulfate-free shampoos to prevent dryness. Healthy hair starts with having a consistent routine.
What other looks are popular with men today? What new kinds of looks can we expect?
Today, black men are embracing both classic and contemporary trends. I believe that this balance will last for the foreseeable future. I love how a fresh taper and lining frames the Afros, locs, twist and any other longer length style. Plus, we all know that short cuts like waves and fades will never go out of style.
What are you doing with facial hair – beards, moustaches, sideburns, brows?
As a barber it’s my job to maximize my client strengths and weaknesses when it comes to facial hair. I typically try to convince them to grow out a full beard if capable. If not, there are a variety of looks that can be tailored.